QUEENSLAND Treasurer Tim Nicholls has warned further industrial action at BHP Billiton’s Queensland coal mines could jeopardise the state’s investment pipeline and see a hit to the budget bottom line through a loss in mining royalties.

Mr Nicholls said union leaders should show common sense and restraint before escalating tensions by declaring a mass strike.

“It is estimated that up to $60 million in state royalties has already been lost due to industrial action at BMA sites. That loss makes balancing the budget even harder.

“Strikes undermine Queensland’s competitiveness and only add to the frustrations already felt by business as they wrestle with red and green tape imposed by the previous state Labor government and the current federal Labor government,” he said.

“An obstructionist approach to the regulatory approvals process is clearly frustrating many businesses and creating huge uncertainty over their investment decisions.

“This un certainty, when coupled with escalating industrial tensions, could see more businesses reconsider their investment in Queensland projects.”

Mr Nicholls said the LNP Government was focused on giving businesses certainty and once again making Queensland an attractive place to invest.

“The LNP will grow a strong four-pillar economy and cut red tape to ensure businesses can get on with doing business and creating jobs for a stronger Queensland,” he said.

“We don’t want Queensland investment and job growth put at risk because the unions are determined to make a power play.”